Home Alone: 6 Free Safety Apps Help Kids in Case of Emergency

It’s not something parents like to think about, but emergencies can and do happen. Do your kids know what to do in case of emergency?

You may have a backup plan in place for situations where you may be delayed in getting home to your family because you’re at the office late or traffic is horrendous. But what if the backup plan fails? Or your phone battery dies while you’re stuck on the interstate and you can’t be reached? If your kids have access to these six safety apps–and a plan for how to use them–this cutting edge technology could save the day for you and your family.

Download the Red Cross Emergency Appto smart phones or tablets for real-time weather alerts and safety information. The app even includes steps on what to do if the alert goes off. The “Family Safe” feature allows parents to check in with their children via text message to see if they are safe or need help.

Monster Guard is another Red Cross safety app that prepares kids aged 7-11 for real-life emergencies in a non-threatening way. With fun characters and interactive games, your kids can learn how to be safe while still having fun. The app is engaging and perfect for young children.

Your kids know not to let anyone in if they are home alone, but what if they lose their house key and can’t let themselves in? Maybe a family member or neighbor has a key, but what if they aren’t home? Maybe you don’t feel comfortable having so many copies of your keys floating around. That’s when KeyMe comes to the rescue. KeyMe allows you to scan any key to a digital keychain that can be printed at a key duplicating kiosk or by a locksmith. You (or your kids) can send the scan to a trusted adult who can then have an exact copy of the original made. Kids and adults alike can create accounts and access saved keys for printing using only a thumbprint for identification. The kiosks are very user friendly and your keys will be cut in only a few minutes. Kiosks are available at retailers like Rite-Aid, Bed Bath & Beyond and 7-Eleven. And with the KeyMe app, you can scan and save, or find a kiosk near you. There is no reason you or your children should ever worry about getting locked out again.

Obviously, it’s important to teach kids to call 911 in an emergency. They should also know what constitutes an emergency – someone lurking outside your home or trying to get in, a house fire, or injury requiring immediate medical attention. For other less dire emergencies–like missing the school bus–set up a group of “Emergency Contacts” in their contacts app. Emergency contacts should include cell numbers plus work phone numbers and addresses for parents, local family members, neighbors, and family friends. It’s also a good idea to include the number for the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222) in all your family’s mobile devices. The more access your kids have to helpful and knowledgeable resources, the more at ease you will feel.

You may already trust Norton for anti-virus protection. Now you can download the Norton Family on your smartphone to help keep your children safer online. You’ll receive detailed reports of what your kids are doing online, right in your inbox. It will also prevent you children from sharing personal information online. Other features include the ability to monitor your child’s web activity including sites, searches, and more. You can also use the app to set time limits for online activity so there is enough time for homework.

One of the most popular safety apps to help ensure the protection of your kids is Life360. This app lets you locate and keep track of your loved ones in real time, eliminating the need for those “Where are you?” texts. Children can check in with a single touch. The app includes a panic button that will send a text or email with GPS location. This app can be very helpful whether you are separated at a theme park or in a natural disaster. Life360 could be a lifesaver.

You can never be too prepared when it comes to the safety of your family and loved ones. Now it is easier than ever to keep your family protected.

Today’s guest post comes to us from Donna Smallin Kuper. Donna is an award-winning family organizing expert, certified House Cleaning Technician, and author of 14 books including her latest: Clear the Clutter, Find Happiness. She is also a KeyMe customer and friend. Follow her on Facebook and get tips to simplify your life at Unclutter.com.